At least 15 people were killed and several others injured on Friday after a massive gas explosion tore through a cluster of factories near Faisalabad’s Malikpur area, according to an updated statement issued by the commissioner’s office.

The blast, which occurred early in the morning, destroyed multiple factory units and damaged several nearby homes.

Initial reports from Rescue 1122 suggested the explosion was caused by a boiler blast, triggering the collapse of the building. However, rescue officials later revised their findings, confirming that the tragedy resulted from a gas leak — a conclusion echoed in the official statement from Faisalabad Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar.

Authorities said four factories were operating in the Malikpur industrial pocket. A gas leakage in one factory sparked a fire that quickly spread to adjacent units, engulfing them in flames. The blast’s force caused the roofs of the factory and several neighboring houses to collapse. Seven nearby homes were reported damaged, adding to the scale of destruction.

Rescue 1122 teams recovered 15 bodies from the rubble, five more than initially reported. At least 10 injured individuals were transported to Allied Hospital, while three others were discharged after receiving first aid.

A five-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the explosion, including whether the factories complied with safety regulations and how extensive the illegal gas connections in the area might be. Officials confirmed that the rescue operation had been completed and clearance work was ongoing.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, citing ongoing assessments, said preliminary findings point to “a catastrophic buildup of gas inside the main production area,” adding that investigators are now looking into the possibility of faulty or unauthorized gas lines supplying the factories.

He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, saying: “We share the grief of the heirs of those killed in this unfortunate accident.”

Rescue 1122 detailed that the response involved over 20 ambulances, fire tenders, and heavy machinery, operating under the supervision of the district emergency officer. The Faisalabad Control Room received the first alert at 5:28am.

Videos released by emergency responders showed workers combing through mountains of debris, searching for survivors and extinguishing scattered fires. Local volunteers also assisted in the effort.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the loss of lives and ordered a comprehensive report from the commissioner. She also directed authorities to review safety protocols in Faisalabad’s industrial estates.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar instructed all relevant departments — including Rescue 1122, fire services, and police units — to extend full support to the operation. He also ordered traffic police to ensure open access routes for ambulances and rescue vehicles.

The industrial city has witnessed similar disasters. In April last year, a steam boiler explosion in a Faisalabad textile mill injured 12 workers and caused a major fire after a hall roof collapsed.

Friday’s deadly explosion has renewed calls for a strict overhaul of industrial safety monitoring in Punjab, particularly in zones where factories operate near residential communities. (ILKHA)